Knocked Out a Tooth? Here’s How to Save It Fast
Few things feel more alarming than knocking out a tooth. Whether it happens during a basketball game, a fall, or even biting down on something unexpectedly hard, the shock sets in immediately. Many people assume a lost tooth is gone forever—but that’s not always the case. With the right steps, you can often save it.
As an emergency dentist in NJ, I see these emergencies more often than you might think. The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) reports that more than 5 million teeth are knocked out each year in children and adults.
The good news? Acting quickly can mean the difference between saving your natural tooth and needing a tooth replacement.
This guide covers exactly what to do in the minutes and hours after a tooth is knocked out.
First Things First: Stay Calm and Act Quickly
When a tooth is avulsed (the clinical term for being knocked out), time is the single most important factor. The cells on the root surface start to deteriorate almost immediately once the tooth is outside the mouth.
According to the AAE, a tooth has the best chance of survival if re-implanted within 30 to 60 minutes. That means your immediate actions are crucial.
Step 1: Locate and Handle the Tooth Correctly
Once the tooth is out, carefully look for it. When you pick it up, always handle it by the crown—the chewing surface—never by the root.
The root contains delicate periodontal ligament fibers that help the tooth reattach. Touching or scrubbing it can damage these cells and lower the odds of successful re-implantation.
If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or clean water. Avoid using soap, alcohol, or scrubbing tools. A light rinse is all it needs.
Step 2: Reinsert the Tooth if Possible
It may sound intimidating, but the most effective temporary “storage” for a knocked-out tooth is its original home. If you can, place the tooth back into the socket immediately.
- Hold it by the crown.
- Gently guide it into position.
- Bite down on a clean piece of gauze or cloth to help hold it in place.
The American Dental Association (ADA) strongly recommends this approach when possible, as it keeps the root cells viable and stable until a dentist can splint it.
If reinsertion is not possible, don’t force it—move on to the next step.
Step 3: Keep the Tooth Moist
A tooth that dries out loses vitality very quickly. According to a study in the Journal of Endodontics, cells can begin dying within 15 minutes of exposure to air. To keep the tooth viable, it must remain moist in a proper medium:
- Milk – Often the best household option, thanks to its balanced pH and nutrients.
- Saliva – Place the tooth inside your cheek if you’re old enough not to swallow it accidentally.
- Emergency preservation kit – Products like Save-A-Tooth (available in some sports centers and pharmacies) are specifically designed for this situation.
Plain tap water should be avoided for more than a brief rinse, as its low mineral content can damage cells on the root surface.
Step 4: Get to the Dentist Immediately
This step is non-negotiable. Once the tooth is protected, you need to reach a dentist as soon as possible. Call ahead so the dental team can prepare for emergency treatment.
At the office, the dentist will:
- Assess the socket and surrounding tissues.
- Rinse and clean the tooth if needed.
- Re-implant the tooth and stabilize it with a splint.
- Discuss follow-up care, which may include a root canal depending on the tooth’s condition.
Even if the tooth cannot be saved, prompt care prevents infection and preserves options for replacement, such as dental implants or bridges.
What Not to Do
Many well-intentioned mistakes can harm the tooth beyond repair. Avoid these common errors:
- Do not wrap the tooth in tissue, cloth, or paper towels.
- Do not let it dry out.
- Do not scrub, scrape, or sterilize the root.
- Do not delay seeking professional care.
A knocked-out tooth can often be saved if handled properly, but chances drop significantly after the first hour. After two hours, survival rates fall sharply. This makes emergency dental care just as time-sensitive as other urgent medical needs.
If you’re unsure whether your dentist accepts emergencies, head to the nearest emergency dentist or hospital with dental services.
Prevention Tips
While not every accident can be avoided, you can reduce your risk of dental trauma:
- Wear a mouthguard during contact sports. The ADA estimates that mouthguards prevent thousands of dental injuries each year.
- Avoid chewing hard items like ice or unpopped popcorn kernels.
- Maintain strong oral health through regular dental visits and good home care. Healthy gums and bone provide better support if trauma occurs.
Knocking out a tooth is frightening, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of your natural smile. By acting quickly—handling the tooth carefully, keeping it moist, and seeing a dentist within the golden window—you give yourself the best chance of saving it.
If you’re in New Jersey and find yourself facing a dental emergency, Schwimmer Dental is here to help.
We specialize in dental emergencies, broken tooth repairs, dental implants, veneers, and more. Whether it’s saving a natural tooth or restoring your smile with advanced treatment, our team combines expertise with compassionate care.
For the best emergency dental care in New Jersey, trust Schwimmer Dental to be there when you need it most.
FAQs
Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?
Yes. According to the American Association of Endodontists, a tooth re-implanted within 30 to 60 minutes has the highest chance of survival.
What should I put a knocked-out tooth in?
Milk is ideal because it maintains the right pH and nutrients. If unavailable, keep it in saliva (inside your cheek) or use an emergency preservation kit.
When should I see a dentist after knocking out a tooth?
Immediately. Ideally within 30 minutes, but even up to two hours, a dentist may still be able to re-implant the tooth if properly preserved.
Sources:
- https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/injury/broken-or-knocked-out-tooth
- https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/knocked-out-teeth/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-tooth-loss/basics/art-20056635
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/must-act-fast-tooth-gets-knocked
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21579-avulsed-tooth
